It appears Charity Walton has everything a woman could wish for at the start of the 1980s - a husband, four children, and a promising academic career. But when Mark Carleton joins the staff at her university the two begin an affair which has repercussions for both of their families. It's a long journey to finding happiness at home and at work as Charity's children grow up, her career progresses, and she supports her best friend's attempts to start a family. Her relationship with Mark follows similar ups and downs but as the decade draws to a close where do they stand?